James ''Jim'' Renfro

James (Jim) Clemens Renfro was born January 31, 1915 near Maryville, Tennessee. He was the fourth child of Spence Clemens Renfro and Lillian Everett Renfro. The family consisted of five boys and two girls. He grew up in Union Community and graduated from Everett High School in 1933. Jim graduated from Maryville College in 1938 where he was a star athlete and captain of the football team. He met his future wife Evelyn Ferguson in college and the two of them raised their children and lived their entire lives in Blount County. Jim was a lifelong educator beginning as a principal at Louisville Elementary School in 1938. He taught and coached at Porter High School in 1942-43 and then taught and coached at Maryville High School in the years 1943-56. He was the first Principal at Maryville Jr. High (Middle School) serving there 1956-70. He finished his career as Principal at Ft. Craig Elementary, retiring in 1980. His numerous community activities include 3 terms on the Maryville City Board Of Education, Maryville City Planning Commission, Broadway United Methodist Church and the Jaycees. In 1966, he was the Blount County Campaign Manager for Democrat Governor Buford Ellington’s election. Jim was named to the Daily Times Hall Of Fame honoring graduates of schools in Blount County in 2004. Jim may be best remembered as a sports coach and player. He is enshrined on the Maryville College Sports Wall of Fame as a football player and wrestler. He was in the inaugural class in the Blount County Sports Hall of Fame. He coached football at Maryville High School in the era many credit as the beginning of that school’s football dynasty. Jim also coached baseball and basketball. His biggest coaching rival was his brother Spence who coached at Everett during much of this same period. In 1990, his players honored him with “Jim’s Boys” banquet attended by some 75 former players. The football field at Maryville High is named in his honor. After retirement from coaching, Jim became an avid golfer and long time member of Green Meadow Country Club. He also made a lasting mark as a school administrator. As first Principal of Maryville Jr. High, Jim was instrumental in making it into one of the finest schools of its type in the nation. Relating to his students was a trait well remembered. Many a young man has said that Jim Renfro gave him help (gentle discipline) when he really needed it and made a difference in that young life. He is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers William E, Raymond E., Max L., and Spence Clyde. Survivors include two sisters, Mary Lee Cunningham of Maryville and Jean Scofield of Decatur, GA, son Jim Renfro, Jr. and wife Jolene of Lake Jackson, TX; daughter Lee Ann Renfro Simon and husband Donald of Elkins, WV; and daughter Sarah Renfro Lohr and husband Kent of Cary, NC. He has six grandchildren; Rebecca Renfro Grimes and husband Eric of Northborough, MA; Jim Renfro III and wife Shelly of Denton, TX; John Renfro of Houston, TX; Laura Simon of Elkins, WV; and Meagan Lohr and Jon Lohr of Cary, NC. His three great grandchildren are Tristan Grimes, Collin James Renfro and Allison Renfro. Survivors also include nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral Services will be 3:00 PM Tuesday at Broadway United Methodist Church with Rev. Dan Moore officiating. The interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery, The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 PM Monday at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Jim And Evelyn Renfro Scholarship Fund % Pam Taylor, Maryville High School, 825 Lawrence Ave, Maryville, TN 37803; or to Broadway United Methodist Church, 309 E. Broadway, Maryville, 37804. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, 982-6812